A rescue dog from Letchworth is on his way to London to strut his stuff against rivals from across the UK.

Chase, who is 18 months old, was found abandoned in a sewer as a puppy, but now he’s beat off competition from around Hertfordshire to reach the semi-final of the ‘most handsome crossbreed’ category in the annual Scruffts competition

Victory in Sunday’s semi-final will put Chase into a grand final at the famous Crufts show in London in March.

“It’s amazing,” said Vanessa Taylor, 25, who adopted Chase when he was four months old.

“I was so proud of him. We were in a class of about 40 dogs so it was a great achievement to get there.

“He’ll have a bath, a groom and a trim before Sunday. We’re really looking forward to it.”

It hasn’t been a simple journey for the tyke, who was found as a street pup, abandoned in a gutter soon after his birth on the Greek holiday island of Zante, also known as Zykanthos.

Zante Strays, a group of unpaid volunteers committed to the protection and welfare of the island’s animals, rescued him and facilitated his transport to Vanessa.

“He’s got some spaniel and some saluki, but they’re so mixed over there it’s hard to know,” said Vanessa.

“His favourite place is Chicksands Woods, and he lives up to his name. He loves chasing the squirrels – which is a bit naughty!

“He’s a very healthy dog, considering he was a street dog, but he gets very spoilt. His favourite thing to eat is chicken.”

Though he’s competing based on handsomeness, Vanessa, who lives in the Wilbury area of town, says that Chase’s best quality isn’t physical.

“It’s more his temperament,” she said. “He gives the best cuddles – both paws around the neck.

“He’s special. There’s something about him.”

For more information on Zante Strays, see www.zantestrays.gr.